Porto Giunco

Porto Giunco is the beach people picture when they imagine Villasimius. A ribbon of fine white sand runs below the headland of Capo Carbonara, the sea glows turquoise and shallow, and behind the dunes lies the Notteri pond where flamingos often stand in the shallows. Two landscapes meet on one narrow strand, which is why it draws photographers as much as swimmers.

The swimming is genuinely easy. The water is shallow, calm and clear, wading out gently over soft sand, so families with small children settle here happily. A seasonal concession provides loungers and a kiosk, with parking behind the dunes, and the whole bay sits inside a protected marine area, which helps keep the water clean and the fish plentiful for a snorkel.

On crowds, Porto Giunco is one of the most popular beaches in the southeast, so July and August fill the central sand by late morning and the car parks go early. The southern end below the lighthouse is usually a little quieter and gives the classic view down the strand, and June and September deliver the same clear shallow water with far more room to spread out.

Who should skip it: anyone after a wild, empty cove with no kiosk, since Porto Giunco is gentle, serviced and well loved. Who should go: families, paddlers, snorkellers and photographers who want shallow turquoise water, soft sand and the chance of flamingos on the pond behind. Pair it with Punta Molentis and Tuerredda for a fuller run along the south coast.

Porto Giunco lies just south of Villasimius on the southeast coast, on the neck of land that runs out to Capo Carbonara and its lighthouse. A short road leads to car parks set back behind the dunes.

A car or transfer is the practical way to arrive, as public transport is limited and seasonal. The car parks sit close to the sand within the protected area, but they fill early in peak season, so come in the morning for the calmest water, the best light on the pond and an easy space.